Night markets are an unmissable step during a stay in Taiwan.
In terms of street food, it is probably the best you can find, combining both exceptional creativity and variety of dishes, very low prices and real quality. There are hundreds of stalls, most of them all different and set up in the middle of streets that become pedestrian every evening between 5 pm and midnight.
We gladly let ourselves be “carried away by the crowd that drags us, carries us along, crushed (or almost) against each other” as Piaf sang. Because yes, on Saturday evening the crowd is dense but respectfully follows this orderly disorder. We let ourselves be enchanted by the delights that emanate from the stalls and arouse our curiosity. Chicken feet here, golden grilled meats with a blowtorch there, strange smells on another stall.
Walking through a night market means awakening all our senses. Tastes and smells of course, the noise of utensils and ingredients sizzling, but also a decor and improbable scenes, where we encounter young Taiwanese women scantily dressed and others warmly dressed in padded jackets, here a woman walks her dog in a stroller. If night markets are a tourist activity, they are above all a way of life in Taiwan.
Whether you are curious or a foodie, here are the 60 must-try specialties in Taipei night markets, from the most emblematic to the most surprising.
Here are six specialties particularly renowned in Taipei night markets. It is a glimpse of Taiwan’s culinary diversity, a mix of its Japanese, Chinese and more broadly Asian influences.
Very popular in night markets in Taipei: the squid is grilled whole while being cut in one piece. It cooks over embers, regularly brushed with a sweet and savory sauce. Cooking gives it a tender texture with a slight smoky note. It is then served in a cardboard container, cut into small pieces so that it is easy to eat in street food mode.
💰 Average price: 100–180 NT$ (2.5 - 5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional (we advise you to avoid it, as these very peppery and spicy spices tend to overwhelm the original taste of the squid).
📍 Known markets: Raohe, Shilin
The word stinky is not just a simple translation from Mandarin: Yes, this tofu really has a bad smell around the stalls concerned. And yet, stinky tofu is one of the most emblematic dishes of Taipei night markets. Fermented then fried, it develops a crispy texture on the outside and melting on the inside. Despite its very strong smell and rather repulsive at first, its taste is surprisingly mild, often enhanced with pickled cabbage and a spicy sauce.
💰 Average price: 60–80 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia
It is a must-try dish in night markets in Taiwan: The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces then fried at high temperature with basil. Crispy and fragrant, it is served in a cardboard cup.
💰 Average price: 80–120 NT$ (2 - 3.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
Seafood-based dishes are very popular in Taiwan. Here is therefore a curiosity not to miss: An omelet that combines oysters, eggs and sweet potato starch. Its texture is melting and slightly elastic, with a typical sweet sauce. It is a change of scenery.
💰 Average price: 70–100 NT$ (2 - 2.8€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: Ningxia, Raohe
The Taiwanese sausage is a staple of local cuisine. It has a slightly sweet flavor, and even better when grilled over charcoal like this. It is often served with raw garlic to balance the flavors. It is also an economical dish, under 2€ (60NT$).
💰 Average price: 40–60 NT$ (1 - 1.6€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: all
Variant of the simple Taiwanese sausage: rather than eating it skewered on a wooden stick, it is wrapped in a kind of sticky rice coating. It is clever, quite filling and also allows adding some pickled vegetables and sauce for an even more flavorful taste.
💰 Average price: 60–80 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Shilin
Grilled food stalls are among the most spectacular, with visible charcoal and flames.
In night markets, pork is grilled over charcoal then caramelized with a blowtorch. It is seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce that gives it an intense and slightly smoky flavor.
💰 Average price: 80–150 NT$ (2 - 4€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Raohe, Shilin
Pork or beef, tofu or vegetables grilled over charcoal and seasoned. There is a wide variety of skewers depending on the stalls. They are also available with seafood, fish or even mushrooms (see below).
💰 Average price: 30–120 NT$ (0.8 - 3.5€) , depending on size and ingredients
🌶 Spicy: variable
📍 Known markets: Raohe
It is a classic of street food. It is naturally found in Taipei. Here the corn is slowly grilled then coated with a thick sweet and savory sauce that makes it even tastier.
💰 Average price: 70–100 NT$ (2 - 2.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
Tofu grilled over charcoal with a sweet and savory sauce, crispy outside and tender inside.
💰 Average price: 40–70 NT$ (1 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
These meatballs are grilled on skewers then coated with a sweet and savory sauce. They are tender inside and slightly caramelized. They exist with beef, pork or even chicken.
💰 Average price: 40–70 NT$ (1 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Raohe
There are many mushroom-based dishes in Taiwan. Here the mushrooms are grilled on skewers then brushed with sauce. Their texture becomes juicy and concentrated in flavor.
💰 Average price: 30–60 NT$ (1- 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
This emblematic soup combines pieces of stewed beef with noodles in a rich and fragrant broth. Very popular, it is eaten hot with pickled vegetables. One of the particularities of this dish is that it must necessarily be eaten in a bowl, and therefore these stalls are the only ones to offer a small seating area.
💰 Average price: 120–180 NT$ (3.5 - 5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
This emblematic soup combines pieces of stewed beef with noodles in a rich and fragrant broth. Very popular, it is eaten hot with pickled vegetables. One of the particularities of this dish is that it is therefore necessarily required to consume it in a bowl, and therefore these stalls are the only ones to offer a small space to sit.
💰 Average price: 120–180 NT$ (3.5 - 5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
At 10,000 km from the Mediterranean, bottarga can be found in Taipei night markets. It should be known that bottarga is also a very refined specialty in Taiwan. As with us, it is prepared from salted and dried mullet roe. They are caught locally, even if, as with us, many producers use imported roe, in this case from China for Taiwanese. The taste is however a little different compared to the one we know in the Mediterranean. Taiwan’s version seems less salty and a little more bland. However, it is also consumed thinly sliced. Here, it can sometimes be lightly grilled then eaten with garlic or white radish. In terms of price, they also reach high levels, quite close to those practiced around the Mediterranean.
💰 Average price: very variable depending on packaging, but between 200 and 1000 NT$ (5 - 30€)
📍 Known markets: all
Note that this product is not necessarily consumed directly on the night market, but rather taken home for family meals during the lunar new year.
These small eggs are grilled or cooked in special molds. Their texture is firm and their taste slightly smoky.
💰 Average price: 30–50 NT$ (0.5 - 1.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Shilin
These dumplings are grilled on a hot plate until forming a crispy base. Their inside remains juicy and flavorful.
💰 Average price: 50–80 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
📍 Known markets: all
Simple and popular dish in Asia, the noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and meat in a wok. Even if they are perhaps a little less present on the island of Taiwan, we still enjoy this simple but very flavorful dish and sometimes slightly smoky.
💰 Average price: 60–100 NT$ (1.5 - 2.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
The duck is slowly braised in a fragrant soy sauce. Its meat becomes tender and flavorful, often cut into pieces on the stall before serving
💰 Average price: 100–180 NT$ (2.5 - 5€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: Ningxia
These dumplings are now well known in Europe: They are steamed and served in bamboo baskets or simply in cardboard packaging. Their thin dough contains a juicy filling.
💰 Average price: 60–90 NT$ (2 - 2.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
Soft bun filled with meat or vegetables.
💰 Average price: 30–60 NT$ (0.5 - 1.5€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: all
Fried rice — 炒飯 (Chao fàn) Rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables and meat. Simple and filling dish.
Sticky rice with braised pork — 油飯 (Yóufàn) Sticky rice cooked with braised pork and mushrooms. A simple, rich and very fragrant dish.
Black pepper steak — 黑胡椒牛排 (Hēi hújiāo niúpái) Served on a sizzling cast iron plate, this steak is covered with an intense black pepper sauce. It still sizzles when served, offering a very visual and sound experience.
Scallion pancake — 蔥油餅 (Cōngyóu bing) Pancake crispy outside and soft inside, often cooked on a hot plate.
Oyster vermicelli — 蚵仔麵線 Thick texture, briny taste.
Herbal soup — 藥燉排骨 Strong and comforting.
Taipei offers a wide variety of grilled or fried seafood, often cooked to order. Many of them are caught around Taiwan.
Very popular in night markets, these surimi sticks are grilled or fried then seasoned with spices. Their texture is soft inside and slightly crispy outside.
💰 Average price: 30–80 NT$ (0.5 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
Crab fried whole or in pieces until crispy, often seasoned with garlic and pepper.
💰 Average price: 150–250 NT$ (4 - 7€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Raohe
Like crab, the fish is fried until it gets a crispy and golden skin. It is often served with spices or flavored salt.
💰 Average price: 80–120 NT$ (2 - 3.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Raohe
Grilled octopus — 烤章魚 (Kao zhāngyú) : Octopus grilled whole or in pieces, coated with sauce. Firm texture and smoky taste.
Fish ball soup — 魚丸湯 (Yúwán tāng) : Clear soup with fish balls with elastic texture. Light and flavorful.
Oyster noodles — 蚵仔麵線 (Ô-á miànxiàn) : Thick soup with thin vermicelli and oysters. Its slightly gelatinous texture and briny taste make it a typical Taiwanese dish.
Chicken feet are braised in a rich and spicy sauce. Their gelatinous texture is highly appreciated in Taiwan. Well, from there to say that it is good and appetizing, probably not, but in any case, it is truly original.
💰 Average price: 100–200 NT$ (2.5 - 5.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
Small fried balls crispy outside and hollow inside, slightly sweet. It is also possible to mix with fritters made from potatoes, also very good.
💰 Average price: 30–50 NT$ (0.5 - 1.5€)
🌶 Spicy: often served with a very peppery spice powder. It is a shame, as it overwhelms the taste.
📍 Known markets: Shilin
Eggs simmered in a mixture of tea and spices, with marbled shell.
💰 Average price: 10–20 NT$ (0.5€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: all
Typical dish with tofu and cubes of duck blood in a spicy broth. Soft and gelatinous texture. Even if the name does not necessarily make it appetizing, the taste is pleasant and even appetizing.
💰 Average price: 60–100 NT$ (1.5 - 2.5€)
🌶 Spicy: yes
📍 Known markets: Ningxia
These fish fritters are fried then served with a thick sweet sauce. Despite their name, they differ from Japanese tempura. Their soft texture and mild taste make them a very popular snack
💰 Average price: 50–80 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: Ningxia
Sausage fried on a skewer, crispy outside. Often sprinkled with spices.
💰 Average price: 30–60 NT$ (1 - 1.5€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: all
These rolls are fried until crispy and golden. They are filled with vegetables and sometimes meat.
💰 Average price: 40–70 NT$ (1 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: all
These cakes are prepared from radish and rice flour then grilled. Their texture is soft with a crispy surface.
💰 Average price: 40–70 NT$ (1 - 2€)
🌶 Spicy: optional
📍 Known markets: Ningxia
Originally from Thailand, this small cake is made from pandan and coconut milk. Its texture is soft with a slight crust. Very present in Taipei night markets. It is simply delicious!
💰 Average price: 40–80 NT$ (1 - 2€), but sold in sets of 6.
📍 Known markets: Raohe, Shilin
This cake is cooked in molds then filled. Classic versions are filled with custard, red bean or taro. Its texture resembles a thick waffle.
💰 Average price: 20–50 NT$ (0.5 - 1.5€)
📍 Known markets: all
This specialty combines ice cream, coriander and caramelized peanut powder in a thin rolled crepe. A surprising mix of sweet and herbal flavors, very popular in night markets. It is ultimately very simple but really good!
💰 Average price: 50–80 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
📍 Known markets: Raohe
Very popular in night markets, Tanghulu consists of fruit coated with a thin layer of hardened sugar. Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it is often prepared with strawberries, cherry tomatoes or grapes. Its shiny and colorful appearance makes it a snack as beautiful as it is delicious.
💰 Average price: 40–100 NT$ (1 - 3€)
📍 Known markets: all
Pineapple is grown in Taiwan, and it is one of the emblematic fruits of the island. Pineapple is therefore mainly found in pastries, and notably these typical shortbread cakes filled with pineapple. Their texture is soft with a fruity center, making it a very popular sweet specialty.
💰 Average price: 30–60 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
📍 Known markets: all
The tofu is grilled then coated with a sweet and savory sauce that slightly caramelizes. Tender texture inside and slightly crispy outside.
💰 Average price: 50–80 NT$ (1.5 - 2€)
📍 Known markets: all
Shaved ice with fruit — 剉冰 (Cuò bīng) : Dessert made of shaved ice, fruit, syrups and sweet beans. Very colorful and refreshing.
Sweet tofu dessert — 豆花 (Dòuhuā) : Very silky tofu served with sweet syrup and toppings. Light and melting texture coated with a caramelized sweet sauce, with a slight smoky note.
Freshly rolled ice cream — 炒冰 (Chao bīng) : Prepared on a cold plate then rolled into spirals. Spectacular and customizable dessert.
Fresh cut fruit — 水果切盤 (Shuiguo qiē pán): Selection of fresh fruit cut to order. Light, colorful and refreshing.
Sweet red bean soup — 紅豆湯 (Hóngdòu tāng) : Hot or cold dessert made from sweet red beans. Soft and comforting texture.
As in any event or festival market, there are also stalls to hydrate. It is an opportunity to drink a bubble tea, or many variations of teas and fruit juices.
Iconic drink of Taiwan. Bubble tea was invented in Taichung in the 1980s before being exported worldwide. Traditionally, bubble tea combines milk tea and chewy tapioca pearls. It comes in many variations. It is therefore a must during any trip to Taiwan, including during a stroll in a night market!
💰 Average price: 50–90 NT$ (1.5 - 2.5€)
🌶 Spicy: no
📍 Known markets: all
Watermelon juice — 西瓜汁 (Xīguā zhī) : Fresh juice very popular in summer, light and refreshing. 40–70 NT$ (1 - 2€)
Iced lemon tea — 檸檬紅茶 (Níngméng hóngchá) : Refreshing drink made from black tea and lemon, slightly sweet. 40–70 NT$ (1 - 2€)
Sugarcane juice — 甘蔗汁 (Gānzhè zhī) : Juice extracted directly from sugarcane. Very sweet and natural. 40–80 NT$ (1 - 2€)
Walking through a night market is truly an experience to live in Taipei. The Shilin Night Market is reputed to be the largest but also the most touristy. It is located in the far north of the city. Our favorite was Raohe Street, in the northeast of the city. 600 meters long and almost as many stalls. There are also the night markets of Ningxia and Huaxi St, Wanhua located in the city center. The latter seems more specialized in seafood. Finally, the Tonghua Night Market is also located in the city center, near the Taipei 101 tower.
There are also night markets in most major cities in Taiwan.
Food is paid in cash and there are not necessarily many ATMs nearby. You must therefore anticipate.
There are few places to sit, except for some bars and restaurants nearby. But overall, everything is done standing.
The crowd can be dense on weekends, especially during peak hours. However, we did not observe long queues, but you can quickly lose friends or family due to the crowd.
The illustrations in this article were generated by AI.
